Okay to put closed loop drain in bottom of tank?

[sonofgaladriel]

To keep my tank close to the wall, and to avoid any plumbing showing inside the tank, I'm going to be installing all closed loop returns and possibly the drains, through the bottom of the tank. My question is, "Is there any reason I can't/shouldn't put my closed loop drains in the bottom of the tank? Would the water pressure being placed 'down' onto them be too much for any reason, ie cause cavitation, potential flushing, ect..? I have always had my closed loop drains placed down low but in the back where they have worked fine.
But, to keep this 48" deep tank as close to the wall as possible, I'll be doing through the bottom.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Fiziksgeek]

The only potential issue I have seen is the risk of a leak. With the bulk heads in the bottom, if you were to develope a leak at the bulk head, pump, or in any of the plumbing, the entire tank would drain.

Of course, if you have the CL drilled through the back of the tank, it would only drain to the lowest bulkhead...which still might mean 2/3 or your tank would drain. Which means some of your livestock might survive.

However, unless you have a catastrophic failure, or aren't around for a long period of time, you will more then likely find the leak before it gets too bad, and take action to fix it!

 

[breezebabe]

I installed the bulkheads on the bottom, but ran PVC about 6" from the surface just incase of a leak it would not completely drain.

 

[bryanth73]

there can be problems as in the thread here

tank crack

enough to make me stear clear of bottom holes

 

[Fiziksgeek]

When holes are drilled (in regular float glass of course), they have a tendancy to chip around the egde if the driller goes to fast. These chips, even really small ones, can weaken the pannel significantly. A nice clean hole should not be a problem, but small defects can get you in trouble.

If your having the tank built, get a tempered bottom, and have the holes put in by the manfacturer before tempering. That is probably the safest thing you can do. The holes will be nice and clean, and the pannel will be extra strong because of the tempering process.

 

[sonofgaladriel]

Tank will be acrylic, probably 3/4" bottom. No worries about drilling the bottom, only worried about possible cavitation or flushing with the drains directly on the bottom.
Thanks for all the input so far.

 

[eidillitih]

Shouldn't have a problem, I have 2 two inches drain and 2 1 inch return on the bottom of my 210. have not had in problem in the year and a half it been set up. I had a spill the first week I set it up but it was a mistake by me.